Night Bound

[CaliforniaPeggy]

there’s a sharp cold tonight following me home
even though my car shields me
I am penetrated
a clarity of coldness out there
beyond my headlights
there are raccoons going over that wall
someone’s back yard is getting a visit
I thought they were cats
but the masked face turned my way said no

I almost feel as though I should be afraid but I’m not
my car is safe and locked and my garage is too near for danger
the street is gritty with trash, leaves and dirt
am I this close to being lost
that’s a tough thought
almost nobody is out at this hour and god knows why
I am
going to school for a distant dream
that I’m not sure of
I’m getting older and have doubts
it’s crazy
maybe
to want such a thing

the cold is so penetrating this time of year


© 2010 MLC

[HereSince1628]

1. The notion of multiple meanings of 'bound' is interesting.

Bound by the embrace of the night, and also bound for a distant destination.
Tied together by fear/anxieties of the dark and also fear/anxiety about that distant destination.

[CaliforniaPeggy]

2. You have articulated what I only dimly felt when I named this poem.

Thank you for that.